Professional Notes: Some Strategies for the Student-Teaching Experience in Music

All states have some system of music teacher certification, and most, according to the 2018 "Analysis of State Music Education Certification Practices in the United States" from the National Association for Music Education, require broad-based music certification that includes both choral and instrumental music at levels K to 12. Nationally, there is a trend toward providing increased student-teaching time for preservice educators. Steven Zvengrowski recommends implementing a four-year student-teaching program, with early and continuous student-teaching assignments in specific areas, to provide increased relevance for students and nurture growth and development throughout the undergraduate teacher preparation program. With creative planning, the model could work in undergraduate colleges with a two- or three-semester school calendar. Zvengrowski goes on to outline several other points that are essential to the success of the student-teaching process based on this model. He also provides suggestions for optimal teacher placement including offering a seminar on Preparation for Student Teaching in Music, where the students become key participants in the procedure and pursue an active rather than a passive role in potential placement. Lastly, he discusses how a seminar following the final student-teaching experience can help prepare students applying for a music position. Topics include building a student-teaching portfolio, completion of the application for teacher certification, and strategies for obtaining teaching positions. A sidebar is included with a four-year model for student teaching with suggested activities.